Question

Spirogyra exhibit a phenomenon similar to sexual reproduction seen in protozoans. It is termed as -

• A. Binary Fission
• B. Multiple fission
• C. Fragmentation
• D. Conjugation

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Conjugation

After repeated rounds of asexual reproduction, in order to regain the lost vigour of genetic material, certain filamentous forms of algae such as Spirogyra exchange genetic material in a process very similar to sexual reproduction seen in protozoans called conjugation. Two filamentous algae lie close to each other and a conjugation tube is formed between the two filaments that helps in exchange of genetic material.